Adjustment Mechanism and Headband Arrangement for Flexible Helmet Headband

ABSTRACT

An adjustment mechanism and headband arrangement are disclosed herein, the adjustment mechanism including an elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the elongated cord and configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to safety helmets for use in avariety of applications where head protection is desired, and inparticular to an adjustment mechanism for an adjustable headband used inconnection with such a safety helmet.

Description of the Related Art

As is known in the art, a variety of activities, workplace functions,and emergency situations require certain safety measures and equipment.Such activities, functions, and situations may include, for example,industrial or manufacturing activities, construction activities, rescuesituations, and other instances where protection of the user's head viaa safety helmet is of the utmost importance.

Safety helmets exist in a variety of shapes and configurations. In orderto comfortably position the protective helmet body (or dome) of thesafety helmet with respect to the user's head, each safety helmet isequipped with a suspension system. Existing suspension systems typicallyinclude: (1) a headband arrangement having a headband member that fitsaround the periphery of the user's head (normally just above theforehead area) and an adjustment mechanism for tightening and looseningthe headband member with respect to a user's head; (2) multiple tabs,connected or connectable to the headband member, which are removablyattachable in headband slots positioned on the inner surface of thehelmet body; and (3) multiple straps connected between the tabs andextending across the headband member for contact with the top of theuser's head.

There are various drawbacks and deficiencies with existing adjustmentmechanisms. Many such existing mechanisms exhibit “slop” or “play” inthe adjustment process. These existing adjustment mechanisms are oftennot effective in preventing inadvertent loosening of the headbandmember, whether during the adjustment process or while the safety helmetis worn. Other known headband arrangements involve a notched trackconfiguration wherein an adjustment mechanism having a rotatable knoband a gear portion causes the headband member to tighten or loosen bytraversing the track from one notch to another. Although suchconfigurations eliminate the “slop” or “play” prevalent in thepreviously discussed “tab” and “slot” configuration, the user's abilityto adjust the headband is limited by the geometrical configuration ofthe notched track and gear. Thus, existing adjustment mechanisms lackthe ability to prevent inadvertent loosening, while enabling continuous(i.e., non-incremental) adjustability.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved adjustableheadbands, and adjustment mechanisms for use with such adjustableheadbands.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure, provided is an adjustment mechanism for a headbandarrangement, the adjustment mechanism including an elongated cord havinga first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in adirection of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configuredfor extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and alocking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord,the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cordbetween a locked state preventing movement of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member and an unlocked state permitting movementof the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein thelocking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage theportion of length of the elongated cord received in the locking memberin the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of theelongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth inthe unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and thesecond end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a restingdiameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter whenat least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein thebiased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at thebiased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member isconfigured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the adjustment mechanism further includes a lug having an openingconfigured to receive the elongated cord, the lug configured to preventremoval of the elongated cord from the locking member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the adjustment mechanism further includes a retention member configuredto receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is notguided around a perimeter of the shock absorbing headband arrangement.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the first end and second end of the elongated cord are connected andfurther configured to be received by the retention member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal directionin which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled,thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative tothe locking member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the adjustment mechanism further includes at least one channelconfigured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around a perimeterof the headband arrangement.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the locking member further includes a moveable element configured movethe at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at leastone tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement ofthe elongated cord relative to the locking member, and a secondposition, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongatedcord, thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the locking member further includes an elastically deformable memberconfigured to bias the moveable element in the first position.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the elastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shapedcavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one toothand either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the moveableelement.

According to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure, provided is a headband arrangement of a safety helmet, theadjustment mechanism including: a headband element comprising aperimeter configured to be lengthened or shortened by an adjustmentmechanism including: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end,and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a majorlongitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured to extend around theperimeter of the headband element; at least one channel configured toguide a portion of the elongated cord around the perimeter of theheadband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of thelength of the elongated cord, the locking member configured to interactwith the elongated cord between a locked state preventing movement ofthe elongated cord relative to the locking member and an unlocked statepermitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the lockingmember, wherein the locking member comprises at least one toothconfigured to engage the portion of the length of the elongated cordreceived in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein theportion of the length of the elongated cord is configured to disengagefrom the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to atleast one of the first end and the second end being pulled in thedirection of the major longitudinal axis.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a restingdiameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter whenat least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein thebiased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at thebiased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member isconfigured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal directionin which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled,thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative tothe locking member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the locking member further includes a moveable element configured tomove the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the atleast one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movementof the elongated cord relative to the locking member in at least onelongitudinal direction, and a second position, wherein the at least onetooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the locking member further includes an elastically deformable memberconfigured to bias the compressible button in the second position.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the spring member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of thelocking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either aninner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the compressible button.

According to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure, provided is an adjustment mechanism for a headbandarrangement of a safety helmet, the adjustment mechanism including: anelongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a lengththerebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, theelongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of theheadband arrangement; and a cylindrical locking member comprising atleast one tooth arranged circumferentially around an inner surface ofthe locking member, a rotatable knob, at least one spring arm, and acentral post; wherein the second end of the elongated cord is connectedto the headband arrangement and the first end of the elongated cord isconnected to the central post, the central post configured to wind atleast a portion of the elongated cord; and wherein the locking member isconfigured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knobto the at least one spring arm and the central post, the at least onetooth configured to allow a rotation of the at least one spring arm in afirst direction in response to a rotational force applied to therotatable knob, thereby enabling the second end of the elongated cord towind around the central post, and the at least one spring memberconfigured to engage the at least one tooth in a second direction,thereby preventing rotation of the central post and engaging theelongated cord in a locked position when no rotational force is appliedto the rotatable knob.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a restingdiameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter whenat least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein thebiased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the adjustment mechanism further includes a retention member configuredto receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is notguided around a perimeter of the shock absorbing headband arrangement.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the at least one spring arm is connected to a hub member, and thelocking member is further configured to translate a rotational forceapplied to the rotatable knob to the hub member.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the at least one spring arm is cantilevered and configured to disengagethe at least one tooth when a rotational force is applied to therotatable knob in the direction of the engagement.

Further non-limiting examples or aspects will now be set forth in thefollowing numbered clauses.

Clause 1. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement, theadjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cord having a first end, asecond end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of amajor longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured for extendingaround a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking memberreceiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord, the lockingmember configured to interact with the elongated cord between a lockedstate, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the lockingmember, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises atleast one tooth configured to engage the portion of the length of theelongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, andwherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured todisengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in responseto at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in thedirection of the major longitudinal axis.

Clause 2. The adjustment mechanism of clause 1, wherein the elongatedcord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when theelongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of thefirst end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter issmaller than the resting diameter.

Clause 3. The adjustment mechanism of either clause 1 or 2, wherein, inthe unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at thebiased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member isconfigured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.

Clause 4. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-3, furthercomprising a lug having an opening configured to receive the elongatedcord, the lug configured to prevent removal of the elongated cord fromthe locking member.

Clause 5. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-4, furthercomprising a retention member configured to receive a portion of thelength of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of ashock absorbing headband arrangement.

Clause 6. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-5, wherein thefirst end and second end of the elongated cord are connected and furtherconfigured to be received by a retention member.

Clause 7. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the atleast one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction inwhich at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled,thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative tothe locking member.

Clause 8. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-7, furthercomprising at least one channel configured to guide a portion of theelongated cord around a perimeter of the headband arrangement.

Clause 9. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-8, wherein thelocking member further comprises a moveable element configured move theat least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least onetooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of theelongated cord relative to the locking member, and a second position,wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord,thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cord relative tothe locking member.

Clause 10. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-9, wherein thelocking member further comprises an elastically deformable memberconfigured to bias the moveable element in the first position.

Clause 11. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-10, wherein theelastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavityof the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth andeither an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the moveable element.

Clause 12. A headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the headbandarrangement comprising: a headband element comprising a perimeterconfigured to be lengthened or shortened by an adjustment mechanismcomprising: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and alength therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinalaxis, the elongated cord configured to extend around the perimeter ofthe headband element; at least one channel configured to guide a portionof the elongated cord around the perimeter of the headband arrangement;and a locking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongatedcord, the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cordbetween a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permittingmovement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, whereinthe locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage theportion of the length of the elongated cord received in the lockingmember in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of theelongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth inthe unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and thesecond end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.

Clause 13. The headband arrangement of clause 12, wherein the elongatedcord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when theelongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of thefirst end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter issmaller than the resting diameter.

Clause 14. The headband arrangement of either clause 12 or 13, wherein,in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at thebiased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member isconfigured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.

Clause 15. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-14, wherein theat least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction inwhich at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled,thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative tothe locking member.

Clause 16. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-15, wherein thelocking member further comprises a moveable element configured move theat least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least onetooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of theelongated cord relative to the locking member in at least onelongitudinal direction, and a second position, wherein the at least onetooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.

Clause 17. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-16, wherein thelocking member further comprises an elastically deformable memberconfigured to bias the moveable element in the second position.

Clause 18. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-17, wherein thespring member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the lockingmember and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an innerwall of the wedge shaped cavity or the compressible button.

Clause 19. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement of asafety helmet, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cordhaving a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending ina direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configuredfor extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and acylindrical locking member comprising at least one tooth arrangedcircumferentially around an inner surface of the locking member, arotatable knob, at least one spring arm, and a central post; wherein thesecond end of the elongated cord is connected to the headbandarrangement and the first end of elongated cord is connected to thecentral post, the central post configured to wind at least a portion ofthe elongated cord; and wherein the locking member is configured totranslate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the atleast one spring arm and the central post, the at least one toothconfigured to allow a rotation of the at least one spring arm in a firstdirection in response to a rotational force applied to the rotatableknob, thereby enabling the second end of the elongated cord to windaround the central post, and the at least one spring member configuredto engage the at least one tooth in a second direction, therebypreventing rotation of the central post and engaging the elongated cordin a locked position when no rotational force is applied to therotatable knob.

Clause 20. The adjustment mechanism of clause 19, wherein the elongatedcord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when theelongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of thefirst end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter issmaller than the resting diameter.

Clause 21. The adjustment mechanism of either clause 19 or 20, furthercomprising a retention member configured to receive a portion of thelength of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter ofthe shock absorbing headband arrangement.

Clause 22. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 19-21, wherein theat least one spring arm is connected to a hub member, and the lockingmember is further configured to translate a rotational force applied tothe rotatable knob to the hub member.

Clause 23. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 19-22, wherein theat least one spring arm is cantilevered and configured to disengage theat least one tooth when a rotational force is applied to the rotatableknob in the direction of the engagement.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structures and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet headband having anadjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband according to anon-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmetheadband of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectioned view of an elongated cord according to anothernon-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet headband having anadjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband according to anothernon-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmetheadband of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet headband having anadjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband according to anothernon-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment mechanism andadjustable helmet headband of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”,“above”, “below”, and the like, relate to the embodiments shown in thefigures and are not to be considered as limiting as the invention canassume various alternative orientations.

All numbers and ranges used in the specification and claims are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By“about” is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value,such as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, thisshould not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values underthe doctrine of equivalents.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are tobe understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any andall subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated rangeor ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and allsubranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratiosbeginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximumvalue of 10 or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein representthe average values over the specified range and/or ratio.

The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer toany particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions,properties, or elements.

The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to”.

The term “not greater than” is synonymous with “less than or equal to”.

As used herein, “at least one of” is synonymous with “one or more of”.For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one ofA, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. Forexample, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes A alone; or B alone; orC alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

The term “includes” is synonymous with “comprises”.

As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean arelative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoreticalintersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines,that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°,inclusive of the recited values.

As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” or “substantiallyperpendicular” mean a relative angle as between two objects at theirreal or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°,or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the recited values.

The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable headband arrangement1 and an adjustment mechanism 2 that is used in connection with or aspart of a headband arrangement 1. A non-limiting embodiment of theadjustment mechanism 2 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and furthernon-limiting embodiments of the adjustment mechanism 2 and its variouscomponents are shown in FIGS. 3-6. With reference to FIG. 1, theadjustment mechanism 2 according to the present disclosure is used inconnection with or in a headband arrangement 1, which includes aheadband member 3 with at least elongated cord 4 positioned on, forexample, an end of the headband member 3. Further, this headbandarrangement 1 is normally part of or used in connection with asuspension system for a safety helmet. In particular, and in order toallow the safety helmet to be used by a variety of people havingdifferently shaped and sized heads, the headband member 1 must beadjustable. As discussed above, and in order to facilitate suchadjustment, most headband arrangements 1 include some form of anadjustment mechanism. However, and as discussed more fully hereinafter,the adjustment mechanism 2 according to the present disclosure providescertain unique advantages and benefits as compared to the existingadjustment mechanisms and headband arrangements.

According to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure depicted in FIG. 1, the adjustment mechanism 2 includes anelongated cord 4 having a first end 5, a second end 6, and a majorlongitudinal axis L extending therebetween. A length of the elongatedcord 4 extends between the first end 5 and second end 6 in a directionof the major longitudinal axis L, and is configured around a perimeterof the headband member 3 through one or more channels 7. Although FIG. 1depicts a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosurewith channels 7 that are integrated mechanical components affixed to theheadband member 3, the present disclosure contemplates embodimentswherein the channels are separate from the headband member 3 itself, oraltogether absent from the headband member 3.

In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the headband arrangement 1of FIG. 1, a portion P of the length of the elongated cord 4 is receivedby and traverses through a first and second locking member 8 configuredon either side of the adjustment mechanism 2. Each locking member 8 isfurther configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongatedcord 4 and interact with the elongated cord 4 between a locked state andan unlocked state. The interaction between the elongated cord 4 and thelocking member 8 is enabled by at least one tooth 9 configured on thelocking member 8 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L suchthat the elongated cord 4 may freely traverse through the locking member8 when the first end 5 and/or second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 ispulled in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In the locked state,movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8 isprevented. In the unlocked state, movement of the elongated cord 4relative to the locking member 8 is permitted.

Although the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIG. 1includes two locking members 8 disposed on different sides of theadjustment mechanism 2 and configured to receive a portion of the lengthof the elongated cord 4 at the first end 5 and second 6 of the elongatedcord 4, alternate configurations are contemplated by the presentdisclosure. For example, the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 maytraverse through a locking member 8, while the second end 6 is fixedlyattached to the headband member 3 in a preferred location.Alternatively, two elongated cords 4 can be configured around theheadband member 3, such that a second end 6 of each elongated cord 4 isfixedly attached to the headband member 3, while the first end 5traverses through a locking member 8.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the adjustment mechanism 2 further includes aretention member 11 configured to receive a portion of the length of theelongated cord that is not guided around the perimeter of the shockabsorbing headband arrangement. In the non-limiting embodiment or aspectdepicted in FIG. 1, either the first end 5 or second end 6 of theelongated cord 4 can be received and retained by retention member 11 toremove it from interfering or bothering the user. The retention membermight be configured to receive the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4,the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4, or any combination thereof.Alternatively, the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 is eitherconnected to, or seamlessly integrated with, the second end 6 of theelongated cord 4, and the resulting length of the elongated cord 4disposed between the first end 5 and second end 6 can be retained byretention member 11.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the adjustment mechanism 2 and headbandarrangement 1 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG.1 are depicted in a front view. A portion P of the length of theelongated cord 4 is clearly depicted as traversing through the lockingmember 8 along its longitudinal axis L. The first end 5 and second end 6of the elongated cord 4 are shown to extend beyond the locking member 8configuration, and are disposed below the headband arrangement 1. Thefront view of FIG. 2 depicts the engagement of the elongated cord 4 andat least one tooth 9 of the locking member 8. Specifically, theinteraction of the at least one tooth 9 and elongated cord 4 is shown.In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosuredepicted in FIG. 2, the at least one tooth 9 of the locking member 8 isangled towards the first end 5 and second end 6 of the elongated cord 4.Thus, when the elongated cord 4 is pulled in a direction of thelongitudinal axis L, the at least one tooth 9 is configured to interactwith the elongated cord 4 in the unlocked state due to its angledconfiguration, thereby enabling movement of the elongated cord 4relative to the locking member 8. In other non-limiting embodiments oraspects of the present disclosure, the at least one tooth 9 iselastically deformable such that the at least one tooth 9 is configuredto move when the elongated cord 4 is pulled in a direction of thelongitudinal axis L, thereby allowing the free traversal of theelongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8. Other variations tothe material and physical orientation of the at least one tooth arecontemplated by the present disclosure such that the at least one tooth9 will enable the movement of the elongated cord 4 in an unlocked state.

In further reference to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depictedin FIG. 2, the adjustment mechanism 2 further includes lugs 10configured to prevent unintended removal of the elongated cord 4 fromthe locking members 8. The lugs 10 may be configured to tightly grip theelongated cord 4 such that a slack is created throughout the length ofthe elongated cord 4 that traverses through the locking members 8.Alternatively, the lugs 10 may be configured to loosely guide theelongated cord 4 through the locking members 8. Although the adjustmentmechanism 2 of FIG. 2 depicts four lugs 10 disposed on either side ofthe locking members 8, other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of theadjustment mechanism 2 of the present disclosure include one or morelugs 10 configured according to preference. In further non-limitingembodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2 contemplated by thepresent disclosure, no lugs 10 are used and the elongated cord 4 isconfigured to independently interact with the locking member 8.

While wearing a helmet with a headband arrangement 1 and adjustmentmechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIGS.1 and 2, a user can adjust the fit of the headband arrangement 1 bypulling at least one of the first end 5 and second end 6 of theelongated cord 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Whenpulled in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the elongated cord 4interacts with the at least one tooth 9 in an unlocked state, thusenabling movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member8. In the unlocked state, the elongated cord 4 can be pulled by the userthrough the locking member 8 such that the length of the elongated cord4 configured around the perimeter of the headband member 3 eitherincreases or decreases, depending on the user's preferred fit. As thelength of the elongated cord 4 configured around the perimeter of theheadband member 3 increases, the headband member 3 is adjusted for alooser fit around the user's head. As the length of the elongated cord 4configured around the perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases, theheadband member 3 is adjusted for a tighter fit around the user's head.

In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure,the elongated cord 4 may be made from a tensile material having aresting diameter when the elongated cord 4 is at rest and a biaseddiameter when at least one of the first end 5 and the second end 6 ispulled. In such an embodiment, the biased diameter is smaller than theresting diameter. Thus, in the unlocked state, the locking member 8 isconfigured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord 4 relative tothe locking member 8 at the biased diameter. In the locked state, thelocking member 8 is configured to engage the elongated cord 4 at theresting diameter. In this way, the at least one tooth 9 may beconfigured without a specific angle and/or rigidity, but when the userpulls the elongated cord 4 in a direction of the longitudinal axis L,the resting diameter reduces to the biased diameter such that theelongated cord 4 transitions from the locked state to the unlockedstate, enabling movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the lockingmember 8. Non-limiting examples of an elongated cord having a restingdiameter and biased diameter according to the present disclosure includethose made from rubber, or other forms of elastic material, such as abungee and/or the like. The present disclosure further contemplatesother non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2wherein various combinations of the aforementioned configurations of theat least one tooth 9 and elongated cord 4 are used to facilitate apreferred movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the lockingmember 8.

An example of an elongated cord 4 having a resting diameter D1 thatreduces to a biased diameter D2 when the elongated cord 4 is pulled isdepicted in a sectioned view according to FIG. 3. Although the presentdisclosure uses the term “diameter” and the elongated cord of FIG. 3 isdepicted as having a circular cross-section, other cross-sectionalshapes are contemplated by the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another non-limiting embodiment or aspect ofthe adjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1 is depicted in aperspective view. As in the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depictedin FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1of FIG. 4 includes an elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter ofthe headband member 3 via several channels 7. Although a portion of thelength of the elongated cord 4 near the first end 5 is once againreceived by the locking member 8, the second end 6 of the elongated cord4 is received by a retention member 11 and is thereby affixed to theheadband member 3. Additionally, according to the non-limitingembodiment of FIG. 4, the locking member 8 further includes a moveableelement 12 configured to move the at least one tooth 9 shown in FIG. 5from a first position, wherein at least one tooth interacts with theelongated cord 4 between a locked state, to a second position, whereinthe at least one tooth 9 interacts with the elongated cord 4 in anunlocked state. In the unlocked state, the elongated cord 4 may freelytraverse through the locking member 8 when the first end 5 of theelongated cord is pulled in a direction of the longitudinal axis L.

While wearing a helmet with a headband arrangement 1 and adjustmentmechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG.4, a user can adjust the fit of the headband arrangement 1 by pressing,or otherwise moving, the moveable element 12 thereby moving at least onetooth from the locked state to the unlocked state, and pulling the firstend 5 of the elongated cord 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axisL. Because the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 is affixed to theheadband member 3 by retention member 11, when the first end 5 is pulledin the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the length of the elongatedcord 4 either increases or decreases, depending on the user's preferredfit. As the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeterof the headband member 3 increases, the headband member 3 is adjustedfor a looser fit around the user's head. As the length of the elongatedcord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases,the headband member 3 is adjusted for a tighter fit around the user'shead. Although the moveable element 12 of the non-limiting embodiment oraspect of FIG. 4 is depicted as a compressible button, other means arecontemplated by the present disclosure, including but not limited tobarrel cord locks, clamps, and/or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of the locking member 8 of theadjustment mechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment oraspect of FIG. 4 is depicted in a front view. FIG. 5 depicts anelastically deformable member 13 disposed within a wedge shaped cavity14 of the locking member and further arranged between the at least onetooth 9 and an inner wall of wedge shaped cavity 14. For example, theelastically deformable member 13 may include a spring, a deformablepiece of plastic, foam, and/or other means for biasing the moveableelement 12. The elastically deformable member 13 may be alternativelyarranged between the at least one tooth 9 and the moveable element 12.The elastically deformable member 13 is configured to bias the moveableelement 12 in the first position, wherein the at least one tooth 9interacts with the elongated cord 4 in the locked state, such that theelongated cord 4 cannot unintentionally disengage from the at least onetooth 9, thereby altering the user's preferred fit of the headbandarrangement 1. However, if the user intends to alter the fit of theheadband arrangement 1, they may press, or otherwise move, the moveableelement 12 such that the at least one tooth 9 interacts with theelongated cord 4 in an unlocked state and the elongated cord 4 mayfreely traverse through the locking member 8 when the first end 5 of theelongated cord is pulled in a direction of the longitudinal axis L.

In further reference to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 5,the adjustment mechanism 2 further includes a lug 10 configured toreceive the elongated cord and prevent unintentional removal of theelongated cord 4 from the locking member 8. The lug 10 may be configuredto tightly grip the elongated cord 4 such that a slack is createdthroughout the length of the elongated cord 4 that traverses through thelocking members 8. Alternatively, the lugs 10 may be configured toloosely guide the elongated cord through the locking members 8. Althoughthe adjustment mechanism 2 of FIG. 5 depicts one lug 10 disposed on oneside of the locking member 8, other non-limiting embodiments or aspectsof the adjustment mechanism 2 of the present disclosure may include twoor more lugs 10 configured according to preference. In still furthernon-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2contemplated by the present disclosure, no lugs 10 are used and theelongated cord 4 is configured to independently interact with thelocking member 8.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a headband arrangement 1 with an adjustmentmechanism 2 is depicted in accordance with another non-limitingembodiment or aspect of the present disclosure in a perspective view. Asin the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, theadjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1 of FIG. 6 includes anelongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3via at least one channel 7. A portion of the length of the elongatedcord 4 near the first end 5 is received by the locking member 8, whichmay be configured as a cylinder, and the second end 6 of the elongatedcord 4 is received by a retention member 11 and is thereby affixed tothe headband member 3. According to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG.6, the locking member 8 further includes a rotatable knob 15 configuredto rotate within the locking member 8 and translate a rotational forceapplied to the rotatable knob 15 to the first end 5 of the elongatedcord 4, via various internal components which are further illustrated inFIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the headband arrangement 1 and adjustmentmechanism 2 of FIG. 6 is depicted in an exploded view. According to thenon-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIG. 7, the at least onetooth 9 is arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of thecylindrical locking member 8. The first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 isconfigured to traverse through a channel 7 disposed on the adjustmentmechanism 2 and into the locking member 8, where it is affixed to acentral post 18 disposed within the locking member 8. A hub member 16 isalso disposed within the locking member 8, the hub member 16 includingtwo spring arms 17 configured to engage the at least one tooth 9, whichis arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of the lockingmember 8. The hub member 16 is further configured to engage a centralpost 18. Alternatively, other non-limiting embodiments or aspects arecontemplated by the present disclosure wherein the hub member 16includes any other number of spring arms 17 configured to engage one orany other number of teeth 9, according to the user's preference.

Still referring to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure depicted in FIG. 7, when a rotational force is applied to therotatable knob 15 in a first direction, the rotatable knob 15 translatesthe rotational force to the hub member 16. The at least one tooth 9 isconfigured to allow a rotation of at least one of the spring arms 17 inresponse to the rotational force applied to the rotatable knob 15 in thefirst direction. Because the hub member 16 is configured to engage thecentral post 18, and the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 is affixedto the central post 18, a rotational force applied in the firstdirection is further translated to the central post 18 and thereby,enables the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 to wind around thecentral post 18. Thus, the length of the elongated cord 4 configuredaround a perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases when the rotatableknob 15 is rotated in the first direction. However, when no rotationalforce is applied to the rotatable knob 15, at least one of the springarms 17 is configured to engage the at least one tooth 9, therebypreventing rotation of the central post 18 and engaging the elongatedcord 4 in a locked position. According to the non-limiting embodiment ofFIG. 7, the locking member 8 also includes a cap 19 to facilitate theengagement between the rotatable knob 15, central post 18, and hubmember 16. However, the present disclosure further contemplates othernon-limiting embodiments or aspects without the cap 19 depicted in FIG.7.

In further reference to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of thepresent disclosure depicted in FIG. 7, the locked position can beovercome when a rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob 15 ina second direction, or the direction of engagement between the springarms 17 and the at least one tooth 9. This is because the spring arms 17are cantilevered from the hub member 16, which allows them to depressbelow the at least one tooth 9 in response to a rotational force appliedin the second direction, thereby allowing a rotation of the spring arms17 beyond the at least one tooth 9. When a rotational force is appliedin the second direction, the hub member 16 further translates therotational force to the central post 18, thereby unwinding the elongatedcord 4 from the central post 18. Thus, the length of the elongated cord4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 increases whenthe rotatable knob 15 is rotated in the second direction. In somenon-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, theelongated cord 4 may be made from a tensile material, such that theelongated cord 4 stretches around the central post 18. Non-limitingexamples of such an elongated cord 4 include those made from rubber, orother forms of elastic material, such as a bungee and/or the like. Instill further non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the presentdisclosure, the elongated cord 4 is not made from a tensile material,and it is merely wound around the central post 18.

While wearing a helmet with a headband arrangement 1 and adjustmentmechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG.7, a user can adjust the fit of the headband arrangement 1 by rotatingthe rotatable knob 15 in either a first direction or a second direction,thereby overcoming the locked position of the at least one tooth 9, andeither winding or unwinding the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4around the central post 18. As the rotatable knob 15 is rotated in thesecond direction, the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around aperimeter of the headband member 3 increases, and the headband member 3is adjusted for a looser fit around the user's head. As the rotatableknob 15 is rotated in the first direction, the length of the elongatedcord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases,and the headband member 3 is adjusted for a tighter fit around theuser's head.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what are currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred examples or aspects, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is notlimited to the disclosed examples or aspects, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any example or aspect can becombined with one or more features of any other example or aspect.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustment mechanism for a headbandarrangement, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cordhaving a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending ina direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configuredfor extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and alocking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord,the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cordbetween a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permittingmovement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, whereinthe locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage theportion of the length of the elongated cord received in the lockingmember in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of theelongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth inthe unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and thesecond end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.2. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the elongated cord ismade from a tensile material having a resting diameter when theelongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of thefirst end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter issmaller than the resting diameter.
 3. The adjustment mechanism of claim2, wherein, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured toallow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the lockingmember at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, thelocking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the restingdiameter.
 4. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, further comprising alug having an opening configured to receive the elongated cord, the lugconfigured to prevent removal of the elongated cord from the lockingmember.
 5. The adjustment mechanism of claim 4, further comprising aretention member configured to receive a portion of the length of theelongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of the headbandarrangement.
 6. The adjustment mechanism of claim 5, wherein the firstend and second end of the elongated cord are connected and furtherconfigured to be received by the retention member.
 7. The adjustmentmechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one tooth is configured tomove in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first endand the second end is pulled, thereby allowing free traversal of theelongated cord relative to the locking member.
 8. The adjustmentmechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one channel configuredto guide a portion of the elongated cord around a perimeter of theheadband arrangement.
 9. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, whereinthe locking member further comprises a moveable element configured movethe at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at leastone tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement ofthe elongated cord relative to the locking member, and a secondposition, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongatedcord, thereby permitting free traversal of the elongated cord relativeto the locking member.
 10. The adjustment mechanism of claim 9, whereinthe locking member further comprises an elastically deformable memberconfigured to bias the moveable element in the first position.
 11. Theadjustment mechanism of claim 10, wherein the elastically deformablemember is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking memberand arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall ofthe wedge shaped cavity or the moveable element.
 12. A headbandarrangement of a safety helmet, the headband arrangement comprising: aheadband element comprising a perimeter configured to be lengthened orshortened by an adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cordhaving a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending ina direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configuredto extend around the perimeter of the headband element; at least onechannel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around theperimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving aportion of the length of the elongated cord, the locking memberconfigured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state,preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the lockingmember, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises atleast one tooth configured to engage the portion of the length of theelongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, andwherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured todisengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in responseto at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in thedirection of the major longitudinal axis.
 13. The headband arrangementmechanism of claim 12, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensilematerial having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at restand a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the secondend is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the restingdiameter.
 14. The headband arrangement of claim 13, wherein, in theunlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversalof the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biaseddiameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member isconfigured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.
 15. Theheadband arrangement of claim 12, wherein the at least one tooth isconfigured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one ofthe first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing freetraversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
 16. Theheadband arrangement of claim 12, wherein the locking member furthercomprises a moveable element configured to move the at least one toothbetween a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts theelongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cordrelative to the locking member in at least one longitudinal direction,and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contactthe elongated cord, thereby permitting the free traversal of theelongated cord relative to the locking member.
 17. The headbandarrangement of claim 16, wherein the locking member further comprises anelastically deformable member configured to bias the moveable element inthe first position.
 18. The headband arrangement of claim 17, whereinthe elastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shapedcavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one toothand either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the compressiblebutton.
 19. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement of asafety helmet, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cordhaving a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending ina direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configuredfor extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and acylindrical locking member comprising at least one tooth arrangedcircumferentially around an inner surface of the locking member, arotatable knob, at least one spring arm, and a central post; wherein thefirst end of the elongated cord is connected to the headband arrangementand the second end of elongated cord is connected to the central post,the central post configured to wind at least a portion of the elongatedcord; and wherein the locking member is configured to translate arotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the at least onespring arm and the central post, the at least one tooth is configured toallow a rotation of the at least one spring arm in a first direction inresponse to a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob, therebyenabling the second end of the elongated cord to wind around the centralpost, and the at least one spring member is configured to engage the atleast one tooth in a second direction, thereby preventing rotation ofthe central post and engaging the elongated cord in a locked positionwhen no rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob.
 20. Theadjustment mechanism of claim 19, wherein the elongated cord is madefrom a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongatedcord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first endand the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smallerthan the resting diameter, wherein the at least one spring arm isconnected to a hub member, and the locking member is further configuredto translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the hubmember, and wherein the at least one spring arm is cantilevered and isfurther configured to disengage the at least one tooth when a rotationalforce is applied to the rotatable knob in the direction of theengagement.